The StarPhysique Awards. What? You’ve never heard of them? You’d think that an event that professes to be the “The Oscars of the fitness industry” would have a little buzz behind it. Fitness model, Jennifer Nicole Lee issued a press release last month where you’d swear it was an event as big as her Oprah appeance.
“Being honored is a milestone in my career. I am humbled to be among the best of the fitness industry and Mixed Martial Arts industry. And I would like to thank all involved to make this incredible event happen. I would also like to congratulate all other fellow athletes who are being awarded, especially my fellow Team BSN athletes. This will be an event not to be missed!” says JNL.
It appears the “night to remember” is a night that will never happen. The StarPhysique Awards were to take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, California this friday. Ticket prices start at $185 and go up from there, but there’s no mention on the event web site that this event won’t take place.
Less than a week out from the event Garba “Mister G” Onadja, the founder of this event, emailed the nominees informing them of the news. Mister G told the nominees that it was, “due to scheduling and venue agreements not being met”. He went on to say, “After careful thought and deliberations, the alternative venue being offered was simply unacceptable for the type of show and presentation that we have worked so hard to prepare.” Many of those who were nominated booked their flights and hotel stays weeks ago. The founder will certainly be reimbursing them, right? Don’t count on it. The response was, “I understand that in many cases airline tickets have been purchased and will try, to the best of our ability, to mitigate this with either additional tickets to the event (at no cost) or complimentary travel and hotel accommodations during the ceremony for our awardees.”
The founder reassured the nominees that the ceremony would be held at a later date and would confirm in the next two weeks the new date. Good thing because now Mister G is now going to attempt to get Mario Lopez and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to attend.
This is a great reminder to be cautious of events and people who are unproven. There will always be some one promising the moon and delivery nothing. Many people may have good intentions but should that be a free pass to under deliver? I don’t know Mister G or his intentions, but I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt. An award show honoring hard-working individuals is cool but don’t compare an unproven, first year event to the Oscars. We all have to start some where but those who “get it” don’t try to be something or someone overnight.
I’ll keep you posted on any future developments with this event.
